How do I clean these aluminum wheels?

Ford Questions Forum
1

I just got a basic set of aluminum wheels and was wondering how I can clean them myself. Any tips? Here’s what they look like:

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2

You could have them refinished and recoated, or just buy different ones.

3

AndrewCarFan said:
You could have them refinished and recoated, or just buy different ones.

I meant how to clean them myself, but thanks! I just need something for after it gets tags.

4

Mitchelle said:

AndrewCarFan said:
You could have them refinished and recoated, or just buy different ones.

I meant how to clean them myself, but thanks! I just need something for after it gets tags.

You can use crumpled-up aluminum foil as a scrubber. It works well for removing rust without too many scratches. It also takes oxidation off aluminum without damaging it. Just be sure to scrub in the same direction as the original finish to avoid noticeable scratches.

5

Mitchelle said:

AndrewCarFan said:
You could have them refinished and recoated, or just buy different ones.

I meant how to clean them myself, but thanks! I just need something for after it gets tags.

Try using 180 grit sandpaper to see if it smooths things out. Then prime and paint them. If 180 isn’t enough, use a rougher grit, but 180 should work fine.

6

You might need to use sandpaper, starting with 220 and working your way up to 400, 600, and 800 grit. After that, use an aluminum buffing wheel with some polish. You can get them to shine like mirrors if you put in the work.

7

Those are clear-coated aluminum, and it looks like the corrosion is underneath the clear coat. You’ve got a few options:

  1. Strip off the clear coat with an aircraft stripper, sand them smooth, and then polish them.
  2. Strip them and repaint yourself.
  3. Have them sandblasted and powder-coated.
8

FordGenesis said:
Those are clear-coated aluminum, and it looks like the corrosion is underneath the clear coat. You’ve got a few options:

  1. Strip off the clear coat with an aircraft stripper, sand them smooth, and then polish them.
  2. Strip them and repaint yourself.
  3. Have them sandblasted and powder-coated.

I went the stripper, sand, and polish route. I also use a ceramic coating every season. But man, it’s a lot of work!

9

Williamson said:

FordGenesis said:
Those are clear-coated aluminum, and it looks like the corrosion is underneath the clear coat. You’ve got a few options:

  1. Strip off the clear coat with an aircraft stripper, sand them smooth, and then polish them.
  2. Strip them and repaint yourself.
  3. Have them sandblasted and powder-coated.

I went the stripper, sand, and polish route. I also use a ceramic coating every season. But man, it’s a lot of work!

I’ve got a friend who’s really good at polishing. I’ve watched him, and I could never do it myself, haha.

10

Those look pretty badly pitted.

11

Use a wire wheel and then an orbital sander to get rid of the rust and smooth out the surface. Prime them with two coats of etching primer, then apply three coats of your chosen color, and finish with three coats of clear. I have pictures of some wheels I just did, but I’m not sure how to post them here.

12

@Mitchelle
Use 3M scratch pads on a die grinder, then follow up with sandpaper.

13

@Mitchelle
Just so you know, they’re pitted pretty badly, so they won’t ever be perfect.

14

@Mitchelle
Sand them down and respray!

15

@Mitchelle
Try using 00 steel wool with some soapy water.

16

@Mitchelle
Spray them with aluminum rim cleaner.

17

@Mitchelle
Go to a truck stop like T/A or Petro. They sell a product called Alumabrite, which is an acid-based cleaner for old and faded aluminum. After cleaning, use a clay bar for polishing.